An investigation of the headteachers' perception of career guidance in public secondary schools in Kajiado district
Abstract
Students in secondary school level of education are required to make choices
that shape the rest of their lives. Students in secondary schools are required to
make choices affect the rest of their lives. They need information to make
realistic choices. A functional and effective career guidance service is
essential in school. The headteacher is responsible for ensuring there is a
functional career guidance service in school hence his perception is important.
This study set out to investigate the headteachers' perceptions of career
guidance in public secondary schools in Kajiado District. The study sought to
find out whether personal variables headteachers perception of career guidance
in secondary schools. The study further sought to identify the approaches used
in career guidance in schools. The study also sought to identify problems that
constrained career guidance in schools and the way the solutions to the
problems.
The literature review discussed the need and importance of career guidance in
a school. Career guidance was seen as not only important in assisting students
select subject combination and making career choices but also improving
students decisive skills. The role of the headteacher in career guidance was
also was highlighted. From the literature review a conceptual framework was
designed showing the role of the headteacher as useful link between career
guidance and other agencies that had information required by the students
The study used an ex post facto research design. One questionnaire for
headteachers was used as the instrument for collecting data. A total of 14
headteachers returned the filled questionnaire. Data was analyzed using
frequencies, percentages and mean perception.
The study found that headteachers of public secondary schools in Kajiado
District had relevant academic and professional qualifications and had enough
administrative experience.
Headteachers strongly perceived there was need for career guidance in schools
however they did not perceive as important the aspects of career guidance
programme which determine its effectiveness in secondary schools. This
included allocating time, funds, and room to career guidance. The findings also
indicated that headteachers and guidance teachers were not trained in career .
guidance. The findings also indicated that there was need to post trained people
to all schools.
The following recommendations are made from the findings
Headteachers and career guidance teachers be trained 111 guidance
skills.
2 It is recommended that regular seminars and workshops be held for
headteachers and career guidance teachers. This would ensure they are
updated on post school opportunities and new trends in the job market
3. Career guidance booklets be revised and distributed to all secondary
schools.
The following areas are suggested for further research
1. This study involved the head teacher as respondents In obtaining
information on career guidance in schools. The information can be
expounded further by including students and career guidance teachers
as respondents.
2. This study was carried out in Kajiado District which is a predominantly
a rural district. It is therefore recommended that a replication of this
study be carried out in an urban setting.
3. It is suggested that a study be carried out on the relationship between
career guidance and students performance.
Citation
M.ED (Educational Administration and Planning) Thesis 2004Sponsorhip
University of NairobiPublisher
University of Nairobi, College of Education and External Studies
Description
Master of Education Thesis
Collections
- Faculty of Education (FEd) [5963]